Armada M300

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

"Sepp" <tutelo@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:Wmwje.5156$uR4.2475@newsread2.news.atl.earthlink.net...
> My M300 screen is very dim when first powered on, gets a bit brighter with
> time, but still dim when compared to other laptops. I wonder if this is an
> inverter problem, or a failing backlight (assuming backlight tubes fail
> slowly over time). Can anyone shed any light on this? And, any recommended
> shops that could replace the failing component?
>
> Another question: in the "Maintenance and Service Guide" p. 1-4 it states
> that the machine has 64MB SDRAM "expandable to 512MB". When I put a 512MB
> PC100 SDRAM module in the single slot I can find, the memory is recognised
> in BIOS, but the machine won't boot. Am I missing something obvious? Is
> there a second memory slot hidden somewhere?
>
> TIA for any enlightenment.
>
> Sepp
I have a Compac too. My screen sometimes gets VERY dim, then snaps back. I
don't understand it.
-Pete

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

The dim LCD could very well be a dying backlight. If you like to tinker
with your machine's delicate parts, or enjoy the thrill of potentially
breaking the display, you could try replacing the dimmer lamp with a
new one. You can get them in many places, like Digi-Key. The problem is
that you'll probably have to remove the lamp to measure it, so that you
have an idea of what size to get.

I did the same thing in my HP Pavilion's 14.1" Chungwha screen, which
was getting dull and dingy. The lamp from JKL Components was a perfect
fit, but because I am impatient and clumsy I ended up cracking
something in the screen and now there is a white triangle in the lower
right hand corner where the LCD won't display anything. The screen is
real bright, though!

Of course, if Compaq installed an under-powered inverter to begin with,
you may never get it up to a light output that you think is reasonable.
I can't recommend any shops as I've never dealt with one.